Topical Bible: The Power of Christ: Exhibited in Forgiving Sins

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The power of Christ to forgive sins is a central tenet of Christian theology, underscoring His divine authority and the redemptive purpose of His earthly ministry. This power is vividly illustrated in several key passages throughout the New Testament, where Jesus not only heals physical ailments but also addresses the deeper spiritual need for forgiveness.

Authority to Forgive Sins

One of the most direct demonstrations of Christ's authority to forgive sins is found in the account of the healing of the paralytic. In Mark 2:5-12 , Jesus declares to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." This pronouncement causes a stir among the scribes, who question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, responds by asserting His authority: "But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins..." He then commands the paralytic to rise, take up his mat, and walk, thereby confirming His divine authority through a miraculous act.

Forgiveness and Healing

The connection between forgiveness and healing is further emphasized in the account of the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 . As Jesus dines at the house of Simon the Pharisee, a woman known for her sinful life anoints His feet with perfume and tears. Jesus acknowledges her faith and repentance, saying, "Your sins are forgiven." The guests question among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" Jesus affirms the transformative power of forgiveness, telling the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

The Call to Repentance

Christ's power to forgive is also linked to His call for repentance. In Luke 5:31-32 , Jesus states, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." This mission is further highlighted in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), where the father's forgiveness of his wayward son illustrates the boundless grace available through repentance and faith.

The New Covenant

The power of Christ to forgive sins is foundational to the New Covenant, established through His sacrificial death and resurrection. In Matthew 26:28 , during the Last Supper, Jesus declares, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." This statement encapsulates the essence of His mission: to provide a means of reconciliation between God and humanity through the atonement of sin.

The Apostolic Commission

After His resurrection, Jesus imparts the authority to forgive sins to His apostles, as recorded in John 20:22-23 : "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld." This commission underscores the continuation of Christ's redemptive work through the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim forgiveness and reconciliation.

Conclusion

The power of Christ to forgive sins is a profound demonstration of His divine nature and His mission to restore humanity to a right relationship with God. Through His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus offers forgiveness as a gift of grace, accessible to all who believe and repent. This power remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering hope and redemption to a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 9:6
But that you may know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:31
Him has God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... tribe of Levi as in the posterity of David, Christ was exhibited to the ... nothing to
God's ancient people but empty show, if the power of Christ's death and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

Matt. I. 17
... Hence also this man exhibited great self-command, in that he ... be asked, "may this
potion be, that hath such power?" The precious Blood of Christ, if it ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily iv matt i 17.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... a solemn rehearsal, that the perfect light of faith is now exhibited, when he ... grace
is sufficient for thee," he subjoins, "that the power of Christ may rest ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

The Paralytic Let Down through the Roof.
... For this reason He exhibited the loneliness of one man, and the fervent ... How then
did Christ act? ... See moreover He makes a second proof of His power of forgiving ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily on the paralytic let.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... For it is to be observed, that he always exhibited himself to the ... For when Christ
gave the command to the apostles, and conferred the power of forgiving ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... kingdom, and are daily and hourly exhibited in the ... yield to the regenerating and
sanctifying power of his ... The historical Christ meets and satisfies our deepest ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Westminster Confession of Faith. AD 1647.
... their own lusts, the temptations of the world, and the power of Satan ... Under the gospel,
when Christ the substance [1161] was exhibited, the ordinances ...
/.../the westminster confession of faith.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... deceptions, the suppression of his murderous power over poor ... a portent of ultimate
success, that Christ and his ... to kiss the bones of the dead exhibited as holy ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Mercy's Master Motive
... while they were under the rod they exhibited hardness of ... man who is really brought
to Christ is first ... be light!" and light was;"thus he glorified his power. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/mercys master motive.htm

The Consolation
... and to introduce a state of life, power, liberty, and ... 4) For this purpose the blood
of Christ had a ... the death of His Son could have exhibited His righteousness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon i the consolation.htm